Being able to speak Westron, the raven delivered the news that Smaug had been killed. Roäc agreed to bring a message to Dáin II Ironfoot from Thorin, a call for help in guarding the treasures of Erebor in the wake of war.[1] However, Roäc also gave a piece of advice to Thorin, warning him that "the treasure is likely to be your death".[3]

In Celtic mythology, ravens are often associated with warfare and the battleground (especially in Irish mythology). In Welsh mythology, ravens figure as the army of King Arthur's knight Owain.[5]See also: Ravens: Inspiration

Roäc does not explicitly appear. However, just prior to the final confrontation with the Elven Army assembled before the gates, a raven is seen flying away from the gate of Erebor, then just before Dáin's Army of Dwarves arrives, the raven is seen flying back to Thorin at the gate. This visually implies that Thorin sent a message with this raven, though it is not explained in dialogue, and the raven itself does not talk.